French Open: Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic saved a match point and overcame Aryna Sabalenka to get to the French Open women’s singles championship match.
In a match that lasted three hours and thirteen minutes, Muchova, the world No. 43, won 20 of the final 24 points to defeat the second seed 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (5-7) 7-5.
After winning the Australian Open trophy, Sabalenka was attempting to win back-to-back Grand Slam championships. She looked to have everything in her favour but tightened up as she approached the finish line, and Muchova punished her.
It is the fifth year in a straight that an unseeded player will compete in the final, and the 26-year-old is the fourth lowest-ranked woman to do so.
Muchova said with joy, “I don’t really know what occurred. The environment is fantastic. I just kept trying to fight, and it was effective. I’m overjoyed.”
The Czech Republic player was competing in her second major semifinal after making it to the final four at the Australian Open in 2021. Last year, however, she was severely limited by injury, and as a result, her ranking fell below the top 200.
However, Muchova has been developing quickly this season and, by winning the trophy, can move up into the top 10.
Sabalenka got out to the quicker start, but Muchova gradually gained ground and produced the first significant play, breaking for 5-4. Muchova has drawn attention off the court for choosing not to participate in media responsibilities after being questioned by a reporter about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine before the tournament’s beginning.
However, Sabalenka returned right away, saving a set point with a forehand winner and winning the break with some more crushing groundstrokes.
The contrast between Sabalenka’s aggressiveness and sheer power and Muchova’s more nuanced talents was captivating. Muchova demonstrated her mastery of angles and direction adjustments as well as her willingness to come to the net.
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